Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are toxic, highly stable compounds widely used in the
production of consumer goods. Commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their
persistence and resistance to biodegradation, these chemicals pose significant environmental
challenges. Low-temperature plasmas have shown strong potential for degrading PFAS,
particularly long-chain variants; however, the fundamental mechanisms governing their
degradation remain poorly understood.
In this study, an atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma jet, powered by
a 13.56 MHz radio-frequency (RF) power supply, was used to treat aqueous samples of
perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in order to investigate the specific roles of plasma-generated
species in its degradation. Contrary to previous reports suggesting a central role for aqueous
electrons, experimental results indicate that energetic gas-phase electrons are the primary
contributors to PFOA mineralization. These findings contribute to a more detailed understanding
of plasma-induced degradation pathways and the upscaling of plasma reactors for field
applications.
Monday, 10/01/2025 at 4:30 pm
CAMP 176
Chiagozie Chukwukwute is a third year Ph.D. candidate in the Chemical and Biomolecular
Engineering Department at Clarkson University. She has an undergraduate degree in Mechanical
Engineering from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Nigeria. Since Fall 2023, she has been
conducting research on plasma technologies for wastewater treatment at the Plasma Research
Laboratory under the guidance of Professor Selma Mededovic Thagard.